Planting and cultivating the next generation of language speakers and users

Early childhood is a crucial period for children to be nurtured with their own language and culture. As such, early Indigenous childhood educators must see themselves as having a critical role in nurturing a child’s language and cultural identity. This workshop will address how these educators can create the conditions and environments to grow and cultivate their ancestral language(s) for multiple generations. Highlighted topics are specific to Indigenous language learning in children, language acquisition, and using vs. teaching the language. Indigenous early education practitioners will be able to apply these understandings to inform and strengthen their capabilities and competencies.